Daiichi Sankyo, Chugai and Shionogi all marked double-digit revenue growth in the fiscal first quarter, while Astellas and Takeda saw some slow down. New products including Veozah and Leqembi buoyed performances, while the the expected upcoming US approval of a subcutaneous formulation may help restore Entyvio’s growth trajectory.

New supplies of Shionogi's antiviral Xofluza will be used to boost Japan's national stocks of flu therapeutics, along with others including Tamiflu and Relenza, to increase preparedness for new viral strains. While resistance concerns for Xofluza appear to be reducing, local experts supported the decision on condition use is limited to those under 12 years of age.

The first sublicensing deals through MPP for Shionogi's oral COVID antiviral Xocova with seven firms in China, India, Ukraine and Vietnam suggest the global debut of generic versions will come earlier than usual after the original, which continues in multiple global Phase III programs in various settings. While sales hopes are high, the drug may also be hit by a price cut in its first and biggest market so far – Japan.